Pablo Cabrera, ’20

I collaborate on a number of corporate items across the Directorate of Strategic Operational Planning/NCTC.* Prior to joining ODNI, I supported various Federal and local agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, the Office of the Inspector General, and local Law Enforcement (LE) Divisions. Most recently, I provided support to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency as Project Manager under the Cooperative Threat Reduction Directorate. I was part of the Operational Evaluations group, which conducts strategic and operational evaluations to U.S. allies and global partners. 

* The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) leads and integrates the national counterterrorism (CT) effort by fusing foreign and domestic CT information, providing terrorism analysis, sharing information with partners across the CT enterprise, and driving whole-of-government action to secure our national CT objectives.

I heard about this opportunity through the Intelligence Community Careers (.gov) site. I looked at various roles and elements that interested me and decided to apply to those vacancies. For this particular position, I applied a few days after I graduated with my master's degree from Saint Joseph's University. Shortly after applying, I received an email and was invited to participate in an interview. The process that followed was lengthy but worth the wait, as ODNI examines our loyalty to the United States, strength of character, trustworthiness, honesty, reliability, discretion, and soundness of judgment. I couldn't be happier to support the U.S. government in the capacity of my role. Every day, I give my best and remain grateful for the opportunity to join such a great agency!

Upon completing my bachelor's degree in Criminology in 2018, I enrolled in a master's program at Saint Joseph's University (SJU). I obtained my Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and Behavior Management in May of 2020. During my graduate program with SJU, I felt encouraged to continue to advance in my professional career. SJU instructors impacted me with their field knowledge, education, and understanding of students' needs. I felt and I acknowledge that SJU has very strong academic personnel as well as a deep understanding of where the student stands nowadays.

No, I did not. I completed my graduate program in hybrid online mode. COVID-19 hit about the time I started the graduate program. I applied every learning experience from my graduate school in my professional career as I was learning.

Moving to the Washington, DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area has assisted me well in my professional career. My Master's Degree from Saint Joseph's University laid the foundation for all my continued success. I was empowered to further my academic knowledge by seeking a graduate degree. I was also encouraged to never stop growing in my career. I am passionate about my field, the contributions I can offer to the United States Government, and the legacy I may leave behind.